Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kalispell, MT: $57,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Kalispell, MT earns a median $57,625/year (≈ $27.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $59,901 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Kalispell is projected to be $57,625, significantly below the national median of $74,332. The local compensation range highlights a spread from $42,729 at the 10th percentile to $65,006 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variety of pay in this role. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economics, set the framework for understanding the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants in this Montana city. Given Kalispell’s growing healthcare sector, the job market presents opportunities, especially as demand for therapy services increases across settings.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,729 | $20.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,791 | $23.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,625 | $27.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,020 | $28.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,006 | $31.25 |
Median Salary Position
22.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,277 (2026 est.). At $57,625, the local median is 22.48% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be above the median
How Kalispell Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $57,625/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $60,340 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -22.48% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $57,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.48% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $60,340.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $57,625 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,901 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,685
2025 BLS Actual
$56,050
2026 Current Est.
$57,625
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,794 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,244 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $47,685 (2019) to $56,050 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,244 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,559 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,729 – $49,791 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,791 – $57,625 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,625 – $60,020 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,020 – $65,006 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Kalispell
While there are only four occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Kalispell, the competitive landscape still offers some well-paying roles. The cost of living index at 96.2 indicates that expenses are relatively lower compared to the national average, enhancing take-home pay. Within the city, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation services typically offer the highest salaries, followed by outpatient clinics and home health agencies. The difference in compensation can be attributed to various factors including productivity expectations, types of contracts, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut seen in outpatient settings. To maximize earnings, professionals in Kalispell should focus on seeking positions that offer premium pay for weekend shifts or PRN work and consider pursuing continuing education or advanced certifications that align with higher-paying niches in the market.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Kalispell, MT in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Kalispell?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Kalispell?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,050 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Kalispell metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kalispell is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov